Drunk driver flips car half a block from Whistler RCMP detachment

A Vancouver woman is facing charges of impaired driving after flipping her car on Blackcomb Way early Saturday, Feb. 7, only half a block from the Whistler RCMP detachment.

After hearing the sounds of the crash, officers approached the Volkswagen Jetta on foot and noticed a male and female still inside the vehicle. The 26-year-old driver managed to crawl out of the vehicle, when police observed her exhibiting signs of intoxication. She failed an initial roadside screening test, and refused to take a subsequent breathalyzer test, or provide a blood sample at the Whistler Health Care Centre, said Whistler RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair.

The woman was later transported to Lions Gate Hospital for treatment.

She now faces charges of drunk driving and failing to provide a blood sample to police.

Illinois man allegedly exposes himself to hotel housekeeper

A 43-year-old Illinois man was arrested last Wednesday, Feb. 4 for reportedly exposing himself to a female staff member of a Whistler hotel.

The housekeeper told police the man had requested a bottle of shampoo and a towel just after 1 p.m. When she approached to provide the items to the guest, he reportedly grabbed her by the wrist and motioned for her to come into his room.

"He then showed her some money, untied his robe and touched his penis," said LeClair.

The hotel staff member became "very scared," LeClair said, and quickly exited the room.

The suspect was subsequently released with a significant cash bond to appear in court next month, police said.

By law, vehicles travelling on the Sea to Sky Highway must be equipped with the proper tire treads to handle the winter conditions. All-season tires are sufficient, although police recommend having winter tires marked with a snowflake symbol. Half a dozen tickets were issued during the five-hour check, with an additional five warnings issued.

"With weather in the area often unpredictable, and apt to change quickly, the message is to be prepared and be safe regardless," read a statement from Sgt. Wayne Pride.

A similar initiative aimed at curbing distracted driving will be conducted in the near future, police said.

Male, female arrested in possession of suspected cocaine

While on foot patrol in the village on Saturday, police observed a man and woman ingesting what was believed to be cocaine outside a nightclub.

Both were arrested for possession of a controlled substance, and a subsequent search of the male turned up a bag containing half a gram of white powder.

The 24-year-old Nelson man was released with a promised to appear in court. The woman was released without charges, police said.